Vitrivius the 1st Century Roman Architect espoused that a good design should fulfill three principles - Firmitatis, Utilitatis, Venustatis. Loosely translated a design should be durable, solid yet functional and pleasing to the eyes. However, nowadays, one additional criterion that a good design needs to fulfill is sustainability which includes it’s environmental, social and economic commitment.
In 1993, the “Declaration of Interdependence for a Sustainable Future” by the Union of International Architects (UIA) signified an official recognition of the significance of sustainable issues in the architecture discipline. This was later reemphasised in 1996 with the publication of the ‘Charter for Architectural Education by UIA/ UNESCO’ which indicated the incorporation of sustainable elements in architectural education.
Ever since its establishment in 1999, the Department of Architecture at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) has advocated sustainability in its architectural curriculum. A Sustainable Matrix was formed to guide lecturers on sustainable elements that need to be imparted progressively to the architectural students.
Among courses introduced to the students on sustainability are Environmental Physics 1 & 2 and Socio-Cultural Environment for the Bachelor of Science in Architecture (LAM Part I) programme. For the Bachelor of Architecture (LAM Part II) programme, the Advance Building Technology 1 & 2, Theory on Sustainable Development Issues and Architecture & Energy are offered to architectural students. At the same time, the Environmental Physics Lab at the Faculty of Design & Architecture, UPM, is equipped with Heliodon to simulate the sun path and Eco-Tect software to assist students in simulating building performance right from the conceptual design stage.
The Department of Architecture, UPM also initiated the GreenSpiration Lecture Series in 2010 to provide a platform for lecturers and practitioners to express their views on sustainability. Among the lecturers that have graced the GreenSpiration Lecture Series are Dr. Mohamad Fakri Zaky Jaafar, Dr. Nur Dalilah Dahlan and Dr. Mohammad Yazah Mat Raschid. Practitioners such as Mr. Gregers Reimann of IEN Consultants Sdn Bhd and Ar. Hanani Mat Zin of NR Architects have also delivered lectures under the GreenSpiration Lecture Series.
